It was agreed at the meeting of the two officials that Davutoglu will
visit Athens in September in order to prepare the interministerial
meeting that will be held later in Ankara.

After the one-hour meeting, Avramopoulos said that they had a friendly
discussion. "We discussed several issues without going into details
but reaffirmed our common will to proceed as soon as possible with the
further enhancement of the relations of good neighborhood, understanding
and cooperation", said Avramopoulos and noted that "everything is
indicating that in September we will have our first official meeting in
Athens". www.amna.gr

Greece's top diplomat noted the both sides seek the creation of a
climate of stability, security and cooperation in the region, and asked
by reporters if the incident of the downing of a Turkish aircraft by
the Syrian military was discussed, Avramopoulos replied that "we did
not have an agenda, it was a friendly meeting, and we did not discuss
such matters".

Besides, he added, the EU position on the issue that has arisen with Syria
"is crystal clear".amna

AMNA / Stocks regained some lost ground on the Athens bourse on Tuesday
following large scale losses the previous day but failed to break
through the 600-point barrier in a session marked by nervous, edgy
trade. The mood was boosted following the announcement that Yiannis
Stournaras would take over as Greece's new finance minister.

The composite index of the market rose 1.59 pct to end at 575.83 points,
fluctuating 21 points during the session between 556.57 points to a
maximum of 577.18 points. Turnover was relatively low at 46.038 million
euros.www.amna.gr

AMNA / Deputy Shipping & Aegean Minister George Vernicos on Tuesday
offered his resignation to Prime Minister Antonis Samaras following
earlier media reports and a statement issued by Radical Left Coalition
(SYRIZA) alleging his participation in an offshore company. Such an
event would be incompatible with his duties as a minister based on
legislation passed in 2010. His resignation was accepted and, according
to the government, there will be no replacement for the post.

The main opposition SYRIZA party on Tuesday demanded explanations from
the government and the Deputy Shipping & Aegean Minister George Vernicos
concerning his role in offshore companies, citing incompatibility with
his political office in the event that he does. amna

SYRIZA underlined that Vernicos' struggle against the Greek junta and
in defence of democracy are deeply appreciated, while adding, however,
that Law No. 3849/2010 article 6 clearly forbids the participation
of government ministers and political figures in general, in offshore
companies, providing for heavy sentences and fines in case of violations.

SYRIZA underlined that ministerial decision No. 3122.1/4566/24886
has approved the opening of an office or a branch of the Marshall
Islands-based Vernicos Offshore Group S.A. in Greece and stressed that
in case the deputy minister has any relation with the company, direct
or indirect, it would be an obstacle to his becoming a government
minister. www.amna.gr